Mike Rencheck, Bruce Power's President and CEO, gives opening remarks during an announcement on August 16, by BWXT Canada and Brotech Precision CNC that they will open manufacturing facilities in Owen Sound to support the Bruce Power Life-Extension Program. The announcement is expected to create up to 50 jobs.

Bruce Power President and CEO Mike Rencheck, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker, Grey County Warden Stewart Halliday, Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy and over 50 guests announced August 16 that BWXT Canada Ltd. (BWXT) and Brotech Precision CNC have secured a significant footprint in Owen Sound’s former PPG buildling to support Bruce Power’s Life-Extension Program.

“We are pleased to announce today that BWXT and Brotech Precision CNC have taken up residence in Owen Sound, with plans to create well-paying, highly-skilled jobs over the next several years,” Rencheck said. “It is a great win for the City of Owen Sound, and an example of how our local economic development initiative is supporting growth across our region by repurposing underutilized facilities to bring new life and new energy into our communities," he said.

In a Bruce Power media release, the 66,000 square foot BWXT facility, located at 1875 16th Avenue East, will be used for nuclear component manufacturing and will be operational in November, 2018. The facility is expected to accommodate between 30 and 50 local hires in positions such as welding, inspection and assembly.

“We are pleased to broaden the BWXT footprint to include Grey County and bring jobs to the City of Owen Sound,” said John MacQuarrie, President of BWXT Canada Ltd.

In addition to opening its new facility, BWXT is also supporting Georgian College’s Owen Sound campus with a new bursary award in recognition of the school being a key supplier of talent for the region.

Brotech Precision CNC also announced today that it is opening a new facility in the same building in Owen Sound this fall to support its long-term partnership with Bruce Power. Its facility is approximately 10,000 square feet of space that will be used for component assembly, testing, and CNC machining, with an option for more space as required. The company plans to develop a team at this location to support Bruce Power’s various CNC machining requirements.

According to Vice-President Jerome Horowitz, “This move is a perfect fit. Over the past 22 years, we have grown our skills in partnership with Georgian College and the Apprenticeship program. We intend to work in the same way in this region," said Vice-President Jerome Horowitz, calling it a "win-win".

Brotech is forecasting four jobs for skilled personnel in the first year of operations.

“Bruce Power will continue to need CNC machining skills to support the MCR as well as ongoing operations,” said Brian Wetherall, Brotech’s President. I think we will see excellent job growth after the first year as we develop the partnerships in the community further.”

Bill Walker, MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, congratulated BWXT and Brotech for their local investments and emphasized the important role the nuclear industry continues to play in the province.

Ian Boddy, Mayor of Owen Sound, was also there to welcome BWXT and Brotech on behalf of council and staff.

Stewart Halliday, Grey County Warden, was also thrilled to welcome BWXT and Brotech to Owen Sound and highlighted the impact these new employers would have across the county, through rewarding employment and more economic stimulation for the local towns and businesses.